A Trail of Ink by Mel Starr

B Squared's Review:

My first introduction to Hugh de Singleton was within the pages of Mel Starr’s latest novel A Trail of Ink, and I found him to be a quite charming fellow.  Because I have not read the previous installments of Hugh de Singleton’s chronicles, I did not have the pleasure of a prior familiarity with his character.  Fortunately, A Trail of Ink can be read as a stand-alone novel, but there are occasional references to earlier events that pique one’s interest in the other two novels, The Unquiet Bones and A Corpse at St. Andrews Chapel.

A Trail of Ink is set in the medieval town of Oxford, England.  Through Hugh’s adventures to solve the mystery of his friend’s missing books and to win the heart of the fair Miss Caxton, the reader journeys through the 14^th century streets of Oxford.  Starr’s depiction of medieval life in the scholarly town is vivid and charming.  The novel’s primary mystery is not extremely complex, making the book a relatively light read.  Elements of danger and adventure add flavor to the plot and help the story to progress steadily.  Hugh conveys his adventures in an honest and sometimes witty voice, that allows the reader to empathize with his plight and form a quick, but lasting connection. The conclusion of the novel alludes to Hugh’s forthcoming new adventures in Unhallowed Ground, and I will follow the trail of ink to visit Hugh and his friends (and undoubtedly some enemies) again.   I highly recommend this refreshing novel to both adult and young adult readers!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from LitFuse through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

About A Trail of Ink:

An excellent medieval whodunit by the author of The Unquiet Bones and A Corpse at St Andrew's Chapel.

Some valuable books have been stolen from Master John Wyclif, the well known scholar and Bible translator. He calls upon his friend and former pupil, Hugh de Singleton, to investigate. Hugh's investigation leads him to Oxford where he again encounters Kate, the only woman who has tempted him to leave bachelor life behind, but Kate has another serious suitor. As Hugh's pursuit of Kate becomes more successful, mysterious accidents begin to occur. Are these accidents tied to the missing books, or to his pursuit of Kate?

One of the stolen books turns up alongside the drowned body of a poor Oxford scholar. Another accident? Hugh certainly doesn t think so, but it will take all of his surgeon s skills to prove.

So begins another delightful and intriguing tale from the life of Hugh de Singleton, surgeon in the medieval village of Bampton. Masterfully researched by medieval scholar Mel Starr, the setting of the novel can be visited and recognized in modern-day England. Enjoy more of Hugh s dry wit, romantic interests, evolving faith, and dogged determination as he pursues his third case as bailiff of Bampton.

About Mel Starr:

Mel Starr was born and grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan. After graduating with a MA in history from Western Michigan University in 1970, he taught history in Michigan public schools for thirty-nine years, thirty-five of those in Portage, MI, where he retired in 2003 as chairman of the social studies department of Portage Northern High School. Mel and his wife, Susan, have two daughters and seven grandchildren.  www.melstarr.org

Buy the Book: www.amazon.com

Blog Tour: A Trail of Ink Blog Tour